Jib downhaul

ABSTRACT

Downhaul apparatus for adjusting the tension on, or trim of, a sail on a sailing vessel when full wind pressure is on the sail including a cylinder threadably received on the forestay turnbuckle. The cylinder includes a shackle for securing the sail to the cylinder, which shackle is movably supported in a raceway on a plurality of annularly disposed roller bearings mounted along the edge of the raceway within the cylinder. The rotation of the cylinder by means of a removable wrench causes an axial movement of the cylinder along the turnbuckle while the shackle is held in the same position with respect to the turnbuckle within the raceway by the sail as a result of its movable support on the roller bearings.

United States Patent [1 1 Keeler,1l

[111 3,800,729 [4 1 Apr. 2,1974

[ J18 DOWNIIAUL Primary Examiner- Trygve M. Blix dame" lizqmi rest artmt 99 51 320 Attorney, Agent, or Firm*-Price, Heneveld, l luizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT Downhaul apparatus for adjusting the tension on, or

H trim of, a sail on a sailing vessel when full wind pressure is on the sail including a cylinder threadably received on'the forestay turnbuckle. The cylinder includes a shackle for securing the sail to the cylinder, which shackle is movably supported in a raceway on a plurality of annularly disposed roller bearings mounted along the edge of the raceway within the cylinder. The rotation of the cylinder by means of a removable wrench causes an axial movement of the cylinder along the turnbuckle while the shackle is held in the same position with respect to the turnbuckle within the raceway by the sail as a result of its movable support on the roller bearings.

19 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures JIB DOWNHAUL This invention relates to apparatus for adjusting the tension on sails for sailing vessels, and, more particularly, to downhaul apparatus for adjusting the trim of 5 a sail while full wind pressure is maintained on the sail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The handling of a sailing vessel requires constant attention to the adjustment, trim, or shape of its sails with respect to the wind while underway. In order to obtain the best performance from the vessel, this shape must be carefully adjusted such that the sail will maintain, as closely as possible, an airfoil shape if looked at in cross section. In order to accomplish this adjustment, sailing vessels include rigging for every sail which may be used to adjust the tension on the sail and thereby maintain the sail in its airfoil shape. However, when the sailing vessel is underway, and there is a great amount of wind pressure on the sail, the adjustment of the sails, and especially the jib or forwardmost sail on the vessel, becomes extremely difficult. Some sails include downhaul lines to facilitate jib tensioning. In others, jib tensioning can be achieved only by using the halyard. However, present downhaul means are often times inefficient when the jib is full, and the halyard is an extremely inefficient tensioning means under any circumstances. Thus, to perform such adjustment on many sailing vessels, and particularly on larger vessels, the wind pressure on the jib must be eased by bringing the bow of the vessel around toward the direction of the wind, thereby lessening the tension on the jib and facilitating the trimming or adjustment of the jib. As will be appreciated, however, the lessening of the wind pressure on the jib, requires that the vessels course be changed. In some instances when sailing, such as when racing, the maintenance of a constant course is critical. Yet, the trimming of the sails, including the jib, is also a significant factor in obtaining the best sailing efficiency for the vessel. Therefore, there has been a need fora downhaul or sail adjusting apparatus which could be utilized to adjust the trim, shape of, or tension on the sails, and especially the jib while the vessel is underway without maneuvering the vessel or altering its course, even when the wind pressure on the sails is extremely strong.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION- It is an object of this invention to provide a downhaul apparatus for the sails of a sailing vessel which enables the trim of the sails to be adjusted without first maneuvering the vessel to lessen the wind pressure on the sails.

' It is another object of this invention to provide downhaul apparatus which may be utilized to positively adjust the amount of tension on a sail having the full amount of wind pressure exerted on it, yet requiring a lesser amount of effort to accomplish the adjustment than with previously known downhaul apparatus. Preferably, the downhaul apparatus of this invention also includes means for also adjusting tension on the forestay. The invention is particularly adapted for use on stay sails.

It is yet another object and feature of this invention to provide downhaul apparatus which increases the mechanical advantage for adjusting the trim on a sail, and yet which is ruggedly and sturdily constructed.

These and other objects and features of this invention are achieved by providing downhaul apparatus for sailing vessels comprising a support member on which is rotatably mounted a rotatable tension adjusting element. Cooperating means on the support and tension adjusting elements facilitate axial movement of the tension adjusting element with respect to the support element when the adjusting element is rotated. The tension adjusting element includes fastening means for securing the sail to the tension adjusting element. The fastening means are movably mounted on the tension adjusting element so as to remain in the same position with respect to the support member as the tension adjusting element is rotated. The rotation of the element causes axial movement of the element along the support member in order to increase or decrease the amount of tension on the sail.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the d0wnhaul apparatus in its operative position on the forestay of a sailing vessel for use in adjusting the jib;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the downhaul apparatus in the operative position shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the downhaul apparatus taken along line IlIIII of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the present downhaul apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 1 in its operative position on the mast stabilizing forestay 12 of a sailing vessel 14. In this preferred embodiment, the downhaul 10 is mounted on the existing rigging of the forestay 12' and provides means for independently adjusting the tension on forestay l2 and on jib 16. No external fittings or supports are required in order to adjust the trim or the tension on the jib 16. I

The downhaul apparatus 10 may be manufactured from bronze, brass, stainless steel or any other strong and durable material which can provide the necessary strength while resisting corrosion.

Downhaul 10 includes a turnbuckle 50 joining forestay 12 to a deck fitting 60. Turnbuckle 50 provides a means for adjusting the tension on forestay 12. Also included is a tension adjusting cylinder 20 threadably mounted on turnbuckle 50, thus making turnbuckle 50 a support element as well as a forestay tension adjusting member. The shackle 70, to which jib 16 is secured, is supported on bearing within an annular raceway 28 in cylinder 20. Accordingly, when cylinder 20 is threaded axially on turnbuckle 50, the tension on jib 16 is varied, but jib 16 does not get wound around turnbuckle 50 on forestay 12. A lever or wrench can be inserted into cylinder 20 to facilitate rotation thereof.

Turnbuckle 50 includes threaded end elements 54 screwed in either end of a middle section 52. End elements 54 are attached toforestay l2 and deck fitting 60, respectively, (FIG. 2). Tension in forestay 12 is adjusted by rotating middle section 52 to thereby thread end elements 54 inwardly or outwardly with respect thereto. Middle section 52 includes an aperture 52a therein into which a marline-spike or some other type of lever, such as lever 90 can be inserted to facilitate rotation of section 52. Turnbuckle 50 also includes securing nuts 56 mounted on the threaded end element 54. Nuts 56 may be tightened against the middle section 52 of turnbuckle 50 in order to secure the middle section in a fixed position once the tension on the forestay 12 has been adjusted by means of the middle section. The exterior of middle section 52 is threaded with threads 53 for threadably receiving tension adjusting element 20. Specifically, it is elongated middle section 52 which acts as a support for tension adjusting cylinder 20.

Tension adjusting element or cylinder has a diameter greater than its axial length, (FIGS. 2 and 3). It comprises two portions formed concentrically and annularly about central aperture 24 (FIG. 3). Central aperture 24 includes threads 25 whereby adjusting element 20 is threaded onto threads 53 of turnbuckle 50. A solid annular portion 26 is spaced radially outwardly from the central aperture 24, is concentric therewith, and comprises the outermost portion of cylinder 20. Intermediate solid portion 26 and central aperture 24, is a hollow annular raceway 28 having top and bottom walls 30 and 32, respectively, and a sidewall 34 which separates hollow raceway 28 from central aperture 24. An annular keyway 36 is formed in top wall 30 and provides an opening through which shackle 70 is received in raceway 28. A plurality of roller bearings 80 are disposed annularly on the interior side of top wall 30 along the edges of keyway 36. The roller bearings 80 are oriented radially such that shackle 70 will be supported by bearings 80 when secured to the jib l6, and roll along the keyway 36 as cylinder 20 is rotated on turnbuckle 50. Preferably, the diameter of the circle defined by keyway 36 is kept as small as possible to minimize the torque forces exerted by jib l6 tugging on shackle 70 in keyway 36.

The fastening means or shackle 70 for securing the sail to cylinder 20, basically comprises a U-shaped fitting 72 through which a removable pin 73 may be fitted in order to secure a sail thereto. Shackle 70 also includes an extension 74 formed integrally with U-shaped fitting 72. Extension 74 includes a foot 76 formed perpendicularly to the axis of extension 74 such that the extremities of foot 76 will contact and be supported by rollers 80 when a sail is secured to the shackle 70. Roller bearings 80 are thereby trapped between foot 76 and top wall 30 of raceway 28. Thus, when a sail is attached to shackle 70, the tension on the sail will pull shackle 70 upwardly, as shown in FIG. 3, causing the extremities of the foot 76 to be supported by roller bearings 80, thereby restraining the sail from further axial movement with respect to turnbuckle 50.

Solid portion 26 of cylinder 20 includes at least one hole 22 bored radially inwardly in the solid portion for receiving wrench 90 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Wrench or lever 90 comprises a rod or other removable extension which may be readily inserted into or removed from hole 22 to serve as a handle for rotating cylinder 20 on turnbuckle 50. There may be one or two apertures for use in conjunction with either one or two levers 90.

The operation of downhaul apparatus 10 will now be apparent. Tension adjusting element or cylinder 20 is threaded onto the middle section 52 of turnbuckle 50 by means of threads 25 formed in the central aperture 24 of cylinder 20 and the corresponding threads 53 formed on the exterior of the middle section 52 of turnbuckle 50. Forestay 12 is then fastened to the threaded end 54 of turnbuckle 50 and the tension on the forestay is adjusted by loosening nuts 56 and rotating middle section 52 with a lever inserted in aperture 52a. When the proper tension on forestay 12 has been attained, the securing nuts 56 are tightened against the middle section 52 in order to secure section 52 in the properly adjusted position.

Following the adjustment of the forestay by means of turnbuckle 50, the tack 17 of jib 16 is secured to shackle by meansv of removable pin 73. Jib 16 is then hoisted to its running position by means of a halyard on the mast (not shown).

After the sailing vessel is underway, and an adjustment of the tension on the jib is required, extension means or wrench 90 is inserted into hole 22 and may be used to rotate cylinder 20. Wrench 90 greatly increases the mechanical advantage on cylinder 20 by extending the point of application of rotational force fur ther from the axis of rotation, i.e., the turnbuckle axis. Thus, less force is required to produce the same axial rotation when using wrench 90 than if cylinder 20 were rotated by grasping its edges. Rotation of cylinder 20 may be in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on whether it is necessary to increase or decrease the amount of tension on the jib. Thus, if a greater degree of tension on the jib is required, cylinder 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction. The clockwise rotation of cylinder 20, causes cylinder 20 to b screwed downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 3.

As cylinder 20 is rotated, jib 16, secured to shackle 70, holds shackle 70 in the same circumferential position with respect to turnbuckle 50 as it was prior to the beginning of the adjusting operation. The rotation of cylinder 20 causes foot 76 of shackle 70 to roll along the underside of roller bearings 80, as shown in FIG. 3. The rotation of cylinder 20 causes the entire cylinder 20, shackle 70 and attached jib 16 to be moved axially along turnbuckle 50. Thus, the amount of axial adjustment of the sail is directly proportional to the amount of rotation imparted to cylinder 20 by means of wrench 90. The lessening of tension on the jib is accomplished by reversing the above operation and rotating the cylinder 20 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 3.

During the rotation of cylinder 20, the middle section 52 of the turnbuckle 50 is held against rotation by nuts 56. Similarly, shackle 70 is held in the same position with respect to the turnbuckle because of its attachment to the jib and its contact with roller bearings 80 which allow it to roll along raceway 28 as cylinder 20 is rotated and not be carried around the turnbuckle by the rotations of cylinder 20. Thus, the only resulting movement imparted by a rotation of cylinder 20 is the axial movement of the entire tension adjusting element or cylinder 20 and shackle 70 along turnbuckle 50.

Therefore, the degree of tension on jib 16 may be easily adjusted by rotating cylinder 20 up or down turnbuckle 50, even when the degree of wind pressure on the jib 16 is extremely great. Additionally, since the downhaul apparatus requires no external supports, the

apparatus may be easily incorporated into the existing rigging on a sailing vessel. Finally, the minimal radial distance between the axis of turnbuckle 50 and the area of support of shackle 70 on roller bearings 80 insures that the amount of torque or wrenching imparted on the cylinder by the upward pulling force or tension of the sail, is kept to a minimum. Consequently, the resulting downhaul apparatus is strong and durable and will not be accidentally stripped off turnbuckle 50.

It will be understood that the terms up, down, and downwardly as used in the above description are used for purposes of explanation only and are not intended to limit in any way the possible applications of this invention.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

1. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising:

threaded support means;

a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means; an annular raceway in said tension adjusting element extending around said support means; and

fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support means is a turnbuckle for securing a stay, said turnbuckle including a threaded member upon which said tension adjusting means is mounted.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which: friction minimizing bearing means are disposed within said raceway; said fastening means being carried on said bearing means for smoother movement within said raceway.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 which comprises: wrench means for rotating said tension adjusting element; means on said tension adjusting element for cooperating with said wrench means.

5. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: threaded support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means; an annular raceway in said tension adjusting element; and fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway; friction minimizing bearing means disposed within said raceway; said fastening means being carried on said bearing means for smoother movement within said raceway;

said raceway including a top wall having an annular keyway therein; said fastening means including an extension passing through said keyway and having an enlarged foot on the end thereof; said bearing means being disposed between said top wall and said 6. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising:

threaded support means;

a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means;

an annular raceway in said tension adjusting element;

and

fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway; said tension adjusting element including a threaded, central aperture into which said support is threaded; said raceway being positioned immediately circumferentially of said aperture whereby torque forces applied on said tension adjusting element by a sail are minimized.

7. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjusting element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means, said securing means including means for retaining said fastening means in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said cooperating means comprise cooperating threads on said support member and said tension adjusting element.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 in which: said tension adjusting element includes an annular raceway therein concentrically with said support means; said second fastening means being received in said raceway.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 comprising: an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; said means for retaining said fastening means in said same position including bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway; said fastening means engaging said bearing means for smoother movement in said raceway.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said support means is a turnbuckle for securing a stay, said turnbuckle including a threaded member upon which said tension adjusting means is mounted.

12. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjustment element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a side wall; and an annular keyway formed in said top wall of said hollow portion and opening into said raceway through which said fastening means is received.

13. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjusting element; fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and said fastening means being movably secured to said tension adjusting element whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a sidewall; an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway;

said fastening means comprising a shackle having an extension formed integrally therewith and a foot formed perpendicularly with the axis of said extension on the end of said extension, said foot contacting said bearing means such that said shackle extends through said keyway and moves on said bearing means when said tension adjusting element is rotated.

14. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjusting element; fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; said fastening means being movably secured to said tension adjusting element whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a sidewall; an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway;

said bearing means comprising a plurality of roller bearings disposed annularly along the edges of said keyway on the internal surface of said top wall.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 in which said cooperating means comprise cooperating threads on said support member and said tension adjusting element 16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein said support member comprises a turnbuckle having its rotatable middle section externally threaded to receive said element and including threaded end elements having nuts for securing said middle section in a fixed position.

17. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjustment element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and'concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a side wall; and an annular keyway formed in said top wall of said hollow portion and opening into said raceway through which said fastening means is received; at least one dead end hole bored radially inwardly in said solid portion of said element and at least one wrench corresponding to the size of said hole which may be inserted in said hole in order to provide a handle with which said element may be rotated on said support member.

18. A device for adjusting the tension on a sail of a sailing vessel comprising a cylinder rotatably mounted externally on a portion of a turnbuckle; said turnbuckle forming a part of the rigging of the sailing vessel and being externally threaded; said cylinder including a central threaded aperture and an annular raceway disincludes a solid annular portion disposed circumferentially of said raceway; said solid portion including at least one hole for receiving a lever. 

1. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: threaded support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means; an annular raceway in saId tension adjusting element extending around said support means; and fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support means is a turnbuckle for securing a stay, said turnbuckle including a threaded member upon which said tension adjusting means is mounted.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which: friction minimizing bearing means are disposed within said raceway; said fastening means being carried on said bearing means for smoother movement within said raceway.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 which comprises: wrench means for rotating said tension adjusting element; means on said tension adjusting element for cooperating with said wrench means.
 5. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: threaded support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means; an annular raceway in said tension adjusting element; and fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway; friction minimizing bearing means disposed within said raceway; said fastening means being carried on said bearing means for smoother movement within said raceway; said raceway including a top wall having an annular keyway therein; said fastening means including an extension passing through said keyway and having an enlarged foot on the end thereof; said bearing means being disposed between said top wall and said
 6. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: threaded support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably, threadably mounted on said support means; an annular raceway in said tension adjusting element; and fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element, said fastening means being mounted for movement in said raceway; said tension adjusting element including a threaded, central aperture into which said support is threaded; said raceway being positioned immediately circumferentially of said aperture whereby torque forces applied on said tension adjusting element by a sail are minimized.
 7. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjusting element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means, said securing means including means for retaining said fastening means in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which said cooperating means comprise cooperating threads on said support member and said tension adjusting element.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 in which: said tension adjusting element includes an annular raceway therein concentrically with said support means; said second fastening means being received in said raceway.
 10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 comprising: an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; said means for retaining said fastening means in said same position including bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway; said fastening means engaging said bearing means for smoother movement in said raceway.
 11. The apparatUs of claim 7 in which said support means is a turnbuckle for securing a stay, said turnbuckle including a threaded member upon which said tension adjusting means is mounted.
 12. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjustment element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a side wall; and an annular keyway formed in said top wall of said hollow portion and opening into said raceway through which said fastening means is received.
 13. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjusting element; fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and said fastening means being movably secured to said tension adjusting element whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a sidewall; an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway; said fastening means comprising a shackle having an extension formed integrally therewith and a foot formed perpendicularly with the axis of said extension on the end of said extension, said foot contacting said bearing means such that said shackle extends through said keyway and moves on said bearing means when said tension adjusting element is rotated.
 14. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in responSe to rotation of said tension adjusting element; fastening means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; said fastening means being movably secured to said tension adjusting element whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a sidewall; an annular keyway in said tension adjusting element opening into said raceway; bearing means mounted internally of said raceway along and adjacent said keyway; said bearing means comprising a plurality of roller bearings disposed annularly along the edges of said keyway on the internal surface of said top wall.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 in which said cooperating means comprise cooperating threads on said support member and said tension adjusting element
 16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein said support member comprises a turnbuckle having its rotatable middle section externally threaded to receive said element and including threaded end elements having nuts for securing said middle section in a fixed position.
 17. Apparatus for adjusting the tension on a sail for sailing vessels comprising: support means; first fastening means on said support means for fastening a first line to said support means; a tension adjusting element rotatably mounted on said support means; cooperating means on said support means and said tension adjusting element cooperating to facilitate axial adjustment of said tension adjusting element with respect to said support means in response to rotation of said tension adjustment element; second fastening means separate from said support means for securing a sail to said tension adjusting element; and securing means for movably securing said fastening means to said tension adjusting element and for allowing rotational movement of said tension adjusting element with respect to said fastening means whereby said fastening means remains in the same position with respect to said support means as said tension adjusting element is rotated on said support means; said tension adjusting element including an annular raceway therein concentric with said support means; said fastening means being received in said raceway; said tension adjusting element comprising a cylinder having a circular aperture formed centrally therein; an annular solid portion spaced radially outwardly of said aperture and concentric therewith; and an annular hollow portion intermediate said aperture and said solid portion, said hollow portion defining said raceway, having top and bottom walls and being separated from said aperture by a side wall; and an annular keyway formed in said top wall of said hollow portion and opening into said raceway through which said fastening means is received; at least one dead end hole bored radially inwardly in said solid portion of said element and at least one wrench corresponding to the size of said hole which may be inserted in said hole in order to provide a handle with which said element may be rotated on said support member.
 18. A device for adjusting the tension on a sail of a sailing vessel comprising a cylinder rotatably mounted externally on a portion of a turnbuckle; said turnbuckle forming a part of the rigging of the sailing vessel and being externally threaded; said cylinder including a central threaded aperture and an annular raceway disposed circumferentially around said threaded aperture; bearing means mounted in said racEway; a shackle for securing to a sail being received in said raceway and engaging said bearing means.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 in which said cylinder includes a solid annular portion disposed circumferentially of said raceway; said solid portion including at least one hole for receiving a lever. 